Dangote, Africa’s largest refinery becomes leading global supplier of aviation fuel

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Dangote Group’s petroleum refinery has emerged as the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel, marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s energy sector as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to reshape global fuel supply chains.

According to data referenced by S&P Global Commodities at Sea, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery recorded the highest jet fuel exports globally in April 2026 following disruptions linked to the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States around the Strait of Hormuz.

The development signals Nigeria’s growing influence in the international energy market and positions the Dangote Refinery as a major player in global aviation fuel supply.

David Bird(Centre)

Chief Executive Officer of the refinery, David Bird, disclosed in an S&P Global Energy report that the company shifted operations into what he described as “max jet mode” after instability in the Middle East disrupted traditional fuel export routes and tightened global supply.

According to him, the refinery is rapidly evolving from a domestic fuel producer into an international trading hub involved in both crude oil and refined petroleum products across global markets.

Bird explained that the facility currently processes about 40 different crude oil grades and plans to significantly expand that capability as part of efforts to compete with leading global refining centres.

He added that the refinery is exploring long-term supply and offtake agreements with governments, airlines and national oil companies while pursuing logistics and storage investments across Africa.

The refinery is also targeting future production capacity of about 1.4 million barrels per day, a move expected to strengthen Nigeria’s strategic role in global fuel supply and regional energy security.

Domestically, the refinery recently reduced aviation fuel prices and introduced credit support measures for marketers and airline operators after rising Jet A1 costs placed pressure on Nigerian airlines.

Industry analysts say the refinery’s emergence as a major global exporter could improve Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, strengthen Africa’s refining capacity and reduce dependence on overseas fuel imports.